Seen leaving BBC Radio One in London today, a relaxed looking Patsy was no doubt overjoyed at the news that Tuesday's episode was watched by an average of 9.7 million viewers - a 43.1 per cent share of the TV audience at that time - and a peak of 10.1 million viewers at 7.45pm.

In comparison, last Tuesday's EastEnders episode was seen by an average of 7.5 million and a peak of eight million.

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Patsy Palmer's comeback as fiery EastEnders character Bianca Jackson has proved popular as the BBC soap attracted 10.1million for the episode on Tuesday showing her return to the square

The figures were almost double of ITV1, which broadcast the Manchester United v Roma Champions League match, had 5.6 million viewers at 7.45pm kick-off and a 24 per cent audience share.

Bianca returned to show with her four children, Whitney, Liam, Tiffany and Morgan, in a scene which saw them being turned out on to the streets away from Albert Square for not paying their B&B bill.

Her ex-husband, Ricky, returned to the BBC1 soap on Monday for his father Frank's funeral.

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Bit hit: Bianca returned to BBC soap down on her luck with four kids in tow and her possessions in black bags

In Friday's episode, viewers will see Bianca bump into her ex in a cafe and yell her trademark, ear-piercing: "Rickaaay!"

The ex-couple will be back in the soap together for the first time in six years. Sid Owen, 36, who plays Ricky, and Patsy Palmer, 35, who plays Bianca, have been given a 12-month deal rumoured to be worth £150,000 each.

Bianca's brood: The single mother finds herself in dire straits with her family after having been made homeless

Argument: Things get off to a typical start when Bianca and Ricky meet up again for the first time in scenes to be aired on Friday